SIX-HUNDRED years ago, King Henry V rode through Hampshire on his way to a decisive battle in the Hundred Years’ War.

And his victory over the French at Agincourt will come roaring back to life this summer with a series of walks, talks, plays and historical oddities inspired by the anniversary.

A two-year programme, backed by Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund, will explore and shed new light on the events of 1415.

Stage highlights include Beyond the Dark Water, a touring play depicting the ‘Southampton Plot’ against the king’s life during his time in the city. The cast will follow in the schemers’ footsteps at historic venues in Portchester, Southampton, Netley and Hamble-le-Rice over two weeks in July and August.

One of Hampshire’s biggest celebrations will be the four-day Road to Agincourt festival in the ruins of Bishop’s Waltham Palace, where King Henry stayed before charging into battle.

A picnic performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest will kick festivities off on Thursday, July 16, followed the next day by an open-air screening of Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V.

Around 1,500 people are expected for the main Saturday and Sunday events, with battle re-enactments, archery, falconry demonstrations, palace tours, shield and sword making, medieval music, dance, food and more.

Sunday’s finale will be the return of Bishop’s Waltham Music Festival, ditching the Middle Ages for blues, acoustic, rock and electronica.

History buffs can enjoy a more cerebral take on Agincourt with exhibitions, talks and tours from local guides.

So What did Agincourt do for Netley will take visitors through the village to explain the oxen, ship wood and lodging which played a part in the journey. The tour starts at 2.30pm on June 20 at Abbey Hall car park. Tickets cost £2.

Other events include the War on Land and Sea conference, from July 31 to August 1 at Southampton University, and talks across the country on Shakespeare, ships, medieval strategy and artillery.

Details of the War on Land and Sea conference can be found at southampton.ac.uk/agincourt2015.

Tickets for Beyond the Dark Water cost £10. For dates, locations and bookings, call the box office on 023 8065 2333.

For the full programme or more details on the Road to Agincourt project, visit roadtoagincourt.co.uk.

Tickets for Road to Agincourt festival events start at £10. To book, or for more information, visit lovebishopswaltham.com.